When driving a car with a automatic transmission, does anyone else use their left foot for the brake on a regular basis?
I've always done this, and before anyone asks, the answer is yes. I drive a manual gearbox as well and have no trouble using my right foot for the brake in that car.
I don't know why I switch, it's always been that way. I also think that there's an advantage as I sometimes 'cover' the brake with my left foot in the event I may need to stop quickly, i.e., coming around blind corners, cresting hilltops, etc.

 

I only use my left foot on the brake while doing steep incline parking...never on a regular bases though

 

I do it when track day sytle driving- its way faster to the brakes and you can dive into corners under power until the last monent
There are even times a little brake and gas at the same time will save you

I dont know how this is with the new cars and the stabilty control- check your owner manual to be safe

 

Good God no.. I used my left foot once to hit the pedal in my 240sx.. never before have I heard/felt/seen brakes lockup so quickly - your left foot (for most people anyways) is totally NOT "conditioned" to applying the brakes and you end up nailing the pedal even though you feel like you've barely applied the brakes! The guy I worked with previously who was all about owning salvage cars drives with one foot on each pedal; scary as hell and I tend to question the sanity of people whom do the same =p

crazyness..!

 

No.

 

um no

 

Some do, some don't...

I use to left foot brake in my big block F-body. Given the cam, carb, and stall converter etc., many times you had to have one foot on the gas and one on the brake to keep it idling at a stop sign.. Same technique when at the drag strip to achieve a consistent launch.

Anyway, if it works for you and it's something you're use to, I see no issues with it. To advise that a person who has never done this take up the technique?? That would be a "No"

 

 

Yeah, I'm familiar with having to use that technique in a few cars because of the cam I put in. Had I known I probably wouldn't have gone with such an aggressive lift.

I am used to this and actually find it awkward to use my right foot for the brake when driving an automatic. There is no jerking or jumpiness either, I've had people comment on how smooth the transition from accelerating - coasting - braking is. In everyday driving, that is.

Would I try and convince anyone that this method is preferable? Absolutely not. I was just wondering how many people may also be doing this.

 

Right foot stop...
But during a deadstop and my right foot feels tired, I switch to my left for a second.
But when I have to start moving again, I switch back to the right.

 

I use my left foot to brake. I have since I was 16. I used my right to pass drivers ed, then went back to using my left. I'm now 33 and it is hard to drive a manual because I'm so used to the left foot stopping me. I have been trying to use my right a little here and there, because I want to get a manual. When I use my right foot, I push too much and it's jerky or I stop too fast. I have 17 years of habit to overcome.

 

I was told at a young age to use my left foot for braking, as reaction times are theoretically less. Then I got a couple of MT's, and got out of the habit. Now I have an '07 TL-S AT, and thought I would start left foot braking again, but the pedals don't seem to be lined up to use the left foot comfortably. Maybe it's just me, but I'm going to practice it more.

 

As we're speaking of everyday driving conditions, no track, no high lift large duration cam, or a vehicle that might stall when at idle, a couple of items come to mind.

If your left foot is on the footrest, the right foot can get to the pedal quicker, as it is in close proximity to the accelerator.
If you were in a crash, normally the left foot would help control the body, but the left foot is on the brake and at an odd angle. Also it has been proven that in a crash, or if someone weren't too adapt at using their left foot, that in emergency conditions both feet go to the floor, then you have a brake and gas applied simultaneously.
Got to love when you're following someone that uses their left foot on the brake and drives while touching the pedal. The brake lights are on constantly, or as their foot touches the pedal, the lights go on and off.

As usual my

 

Yep, then they get on this forum and bitch because their Brembo's only lasted 12,000 miles

 

Maybe it's because the car I use to sneak out at night with my brother when we were 14 (or younger, I can't remember) was a manual transmission. Albeit a pretty simple one; VW Karman Ghia. I've always driven both, manual and auto, and have no trouble transitioning from right foot brake/manual - left foot brake/auto. Maybe it's because when driving an auto it just doesn't feel right to not have my left foot doing something except resting there. Who knows.

I've never thought of the both feet going to the floor in an accident scenario before. Your absolutely correct there. But hey, that happens as a result of the impact, right? By then, does it really matter anymore?

Oh, and I never 'rest' my foot on the brake. If I do anything I 'cover' it as I explained earlier. When not doing that it's on the dead pedal.

 

Good gawd! This brings up a whole other conversation about numbnutzes that can't control vehicle speed proportionate to the next dickhead in front of them.

Here's the solution:

1. use your right foot and only your right foot to manipulate the pedals
2. pay attention to what you're doing, driving a car, not eating talking on the cell or whatever, those are all SECONDARY to driving the car
3. when the guy in front of you starts getting closer, it's time to let off the gas, you can't pass him even if you wanted to
4. coast a little bit before coming to a stop or slowing, you should be driving AHEAD of the car <<<--- Most don't understand this, they must be driving "track day style" WTF?

 

it just doesn't feel normal to brake with the left foot

 

Must be a reason the brake pedal is placed for the right foot not the left.

 

Not on the AT.

 

This thread belongs in Off Topic.